3rd Annual Fit Club Cycle-a-thon a Huge Success

Apr 24, 2015

Bryn Mawr, Pa. - The Bryn Mawr Fit Club hosted their third annual Cycle-a-thon to benefit Gearing Up earlier Friday, and it can only be classified as yet another success for the event. When all was said and done at the end of the day, the event had raised over $2300 to go to the Gearing Up organization. However, it was a priceless opportunity for the Bryn Mawr community to gather and support such a great cause, with a little competition to boot.

Gearing Up provides women in transition from abuse, addiction, and/or incarceration with the skills, equipment, and guidance to safely ride a bicycle for exercise, transportation, and personal growth. The term “women in transition” refers to women who have been formerly incarcerated, have histories of abuse and trauma as kids and/or as adults, have used drugs and/or alcohol as a way to cope with painful experiences and are learning how to live a crime-free sober life with purpose and meaning. While in transition, bicycling offers a mode of transportation, opportunities for social connectedness and employment, as well as countless psychological and physical health benefits. A primary goal of Gearing Up is to provide women with regular coaching, mentoring, and support to make healthy lifestyle changes, promote personal growth, and use biking for transportation.

Today, students, faculty and staff, and other Bryn Mawr community members formed teams in an effort to see which team could burn the most total calories on spinning cycles in the Schwartz Fitness Center. Although it was billed as a friendly competition for the nine teams participating, one team managed to run away with a dominating victory at the end of the day. The "Biking Vikings" squad, made up of Christine Boyland, Tom King, Toril Hinchman, Courtney Morris, David Karen, and Marian Slocum burned an incredible 6,770 kCals to take the victory on the day. Even more impressive, that team also raised over 900 dollars to go towards the good cause.

"We're so happy to support such a great organization like Gearing Up," stated Bryn Mawr Assistant Athletic Trainer and event coordinator Laura Kemper. "The Bryn Mawr community came out in force and showed great enthusiasm and energy for this awesome charity. Not only were we able to benefit them, but it's just a lot of fun for ourselves too!"

For more information on the Gearing Up organization, check out there website at gearing-up.org. For a look at a photo gallery from today's event, click here!